In 2016 I am planning to participate in a Survival Training Course. I have spent the last couple months, and will spend the next few, preparing my pack with items required.

I’ve always had a passion for adventure, and knowing how to survive in precarious outdoor situations is not only necessary to a hiker, traveler and back-roader, but it provides confidence and a sense of some security in case some unthinkable situation were to occur. The military provided me with some of those basic skills, but I would like to advance my knowledge and put my old and new skills into practice.

Gear

My backpack goal is that it should weigh no more than 40 pounds. Weight was primary when considering my necessities and my conveniences. For a 2 night, 3 day trip (very basic) here is what I came up with.

• Backpack that is big enough to carry all supplies.
• Canteen
• Clothing to change into if you get soaked and three pairs of socks
• Two Flash Lights and extra batteries
• Good pair of hiking boots
• Sleeping Bag
• Fire kit
• Backpack tent
• Sighting compass
• First Aid Kit
• Water Filter
• Camp Ax
• Fixed Blade Knife 10″ inches
• 50 feet of  nylon climbing rope
• 50 feet of para cord
• Tarp that is no smaller than 5×7
• Solar charger
• MREs/S.O.S bars
• Cell phone
• Emergency whistle
• Walking Stick 42 inches long
• Poncho
• Sunglasses and Hat
• Bug repellent 

Survival Training Objectives

This is going to be a basic survival training course that will follow a certification of accomplishment. Basic wilderness survival certification requirements include the following:

1. Must Complete Basic Wilderness Survival & Orientation Course.
2. You must sleep in one of the primitive survival shelters for at least two nights.
3. Completion of a Friction Fire from beginning to end.
4. Students must complete two primitive traps.
5. Identify 5 common wild edibles, 5 common medical plants and 2 poisonous plants.

In today’s society we forget – at this point no longer need – but should learn basic needs for survival. What are our priorities? Shelter, fire, water, first aid…how would we navigate without our GPS or asking a local…if there are any? Bears don’t give directions.

Most of you reading this now are adventurers, travelers, explorers – most have a desire to go into the unknown, reach limits and come out the other side with stories. Memories of not living the everyday life in the city.

Challenge

As in every New Year, January 1 brings hope. It brings excitement. It brings the unknown. Resolutions…goals, however you see it, make at least one. What new skill(s) will you learn this year? How will you become a more knowledgeable individual in 2016? How will you make 2016 a year of memorable adventure? What stories will be told coming out of 2016? I can’t wait to hear about them.